Man loses appeal over conviction for murder of six-year-old boy

A 42-year-old man given a life sentence after being found guilty of murdering a six-year-old boy nearly 30 years ago has lost an appeal. Following a trial at the Old Bailey, James Watson was handed a minimum jail term of 15 years in June 2022 after being convicted of killing Rikki Neave.

Watson challenged his conviction at a Court of Appeal hearing in London in June. Three appeal judges – Lord Justice Holroyde, Mr Justice Morris and Judge Angela Morris – on Monday said his appeal has failed and “must accordingly be dismissed”. Watson, who denied murder, was charged after a police cold case review produced a DNA match eight years ago. The Crown Prosecution Service said a “key piece” of evidence against Watson was “DNA he left” on Rikki’s clothes.

A barrister leading Watson’s legal team told the appeal hearing a “wholesale loss and destruction of evidence” meant a fair trial was impossible. Jennifer Dempster KC said there had been a “total disregard” towards preserving exhibits in the case.

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